Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 71: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the provision of commercial digital terrestrial television here and the ongoing negotiation between the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland and a consortium (details supplied); the timescale for the rollout of a free to air DTT service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10201/10]

Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the digital terrestrial television project here; when he expects the signing of the contract with a company (details supplied); the concerns he has if the delays in implementing DTT continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10104/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 102 together.

Part 8 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides for the development of free-to-air and commercial digital terrestrial television (DTT) in Ireland and for the closure of the national analogue TV network.

On foot of this requirement, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) predecessor, the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI), launched a competition, which is still ongoing. As the Deputy is aware, the highest placed consortium in the competition withdrew from the process last April. Negotiations then commenced with the next placed bidder and this process is continuing.

As I stated recently in response to previous questions on this issue, I am not prepared to speculate on the outcome of the commercial DTT process, which is a matter for the BAI, an independent regulatory authority. Nor am I prepared to surmise on the ongoing negotiations between the BAI, RTÉ and the OneVision consortium. I have, however, made clear my view that I would like to see this process concluded as soon as possible.

The conclusion of the process is essential to provide certainty for broadcasters, suppliers and the general public with regard to the development of commercial DTT services in Ireland.

Under section 129 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 RTÉ is required to ensure that 'free-to-air' DTT is available to approximately 90% of the population on such date as may be specified by the Minister. I signed an Order last week specifying this date as 31st October 2010.

The Act also requires RTÉ to provide a national 'free to air' digital service with capacity to carry RTÉ 1, RTE 2, TG4 and TV3 by the end of 2011 or such later date as I may specify. I have written to RTE informing them that the date for provision of a national service is 31 December 2011.

As I have previously stated, my policy objective is the earliest possible switch-off of the analogue TV system operated by RTÉNL and it is my intention that this will be no later that quarter four 2012. The timely switch-off of analogue broadcast services will release valuable spectrum and will position Ireland to maximise the benefits of the resulting digital dividend.